My cat, Ziva, and I stopped in and sat in the chapel for a while today.

Buck Creek State Park lies in a fertile agricultural area, rich in Ohio's history. The park's recreational facilities center around the 2,120-acre lake, offering endless water-related opportunities. Visitors enjoy the many wetlands, broad meadows and wildlife at this diverse park.

Nature of the Area

The natural features of Buck Creek State Park can be attributed to the effects of glaciers which receded from Ohio over 12,000 years ago. Low hills called moraines can be seen in the area where glaciers halted for extended periods of time and left deposits of gravel and sand. Old river valleys were filled by these deposits where numerous springs now well up through the sand and gravel. The nearby city of Springfield is named for the many springs seeping up from the broad meadows. The springs account for the many bogs and fens in Clark and Champaign counties of which Cedar Bog is probably the best known.

These wet areas harbor an assortment of rare and unusual plants including round-leaved sundew and horned bladderwort. The spotted turtle, a state endangered animal, is found in the area. The northernmost region of the park is an excellent area to observe waterfowl. The shallow waters provide a stopover for thousands of migrating ducks. Relatively rare songbirds of open meadows are also present including dickcissels, bobolinks and Henslow sparrows.

History of the Area

Buck Creek was home to Indians and pioneers. The land at the time of early settlement was mostly forested by large trees with minimal undergrowth. Occasionally, the forests were interrupted by prairie openings.

In 1780, George Rogers Clark, a Revolutionary war hero, led a band of nearly 1,000 Kentuckians in a raid against Ohio Indians. The Shawnee Indians abandoned their camp which they called Old Chillicothe (near Xenia) and fled to Piqua, the Shawnee capital, located west of the present site of Springfield. Clark pursued the fleeing Indians, and the Shawnee were defeated at the Battle of Piqua. Most of the Indians, however, had dispersed into the woodlands. One Indian hiding in the woods was the young Tecumseh, who vowed to avenge the attack. Following the battle, Clark's men retreated to their homes in Kentucky and the Indians moved north. A new Piqua was erected on the banks of the Miami River. This battle put a temporary end to Indian warfare.

With the decline of Indian threat, settlers moved into the area. In 1799, legendary frontiersman Simon Kenton settled in the region with six other Kentucky families. The group lived near the confluence of Buck Creek and Mad River. After two years, the settlers moved to different areas. Kenton established a home along Buck Creek about four miles north of present Springfield. Settlement brought change to the area as trees were cut to construct buildings. Acres were cleared and farm crops were planted. The settlers found the land extremely fertile.

The community of Springfield was founded in 1801 and has served since then as the county seat of Clark County. In 1838, the National Road (U.S. 40) reached Springfield and this opened new markets for manufacturing and agriculture. Over the years, Springfield's character changed from rural to industrial. By 1880, the community led the nation in the manufacturing of agricultural implements.

In September 1966, work was started by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to impound Buck Creek as a flood control project. In 1974, the Clarence J. Brown Dam and Reservoir were dedicated and an agreement gave the Ohio Department of Natural Resources the operation of much of the area. Buck Creek State Park was officially opened in June 1975.

FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW

GeneralLand, acres1896

Water, acres2120

Nearby Wildlife Area, acres284

Day-UseFishingyes

Huntingyes

Hiking Trail, miles9.5

Picnickingyes

Picnic Shelters, #3

Swimming Beach, feet2400

Bridle Trails, miles7.5

Beach Concessionyes

Nature Centeryes

Nature Programsyes

BoatingBoating LimitsUnlimited HP

Seasonal Dock Rental186

Launch Ramps, #1

Fuel For Saleyes

CampingPrimative, #22

Electric Sites, #89

Pets Permittedyes

Flush Toiletsyes

Dumpstationyes

Showersyes

WinterSleddingyes

Cross-Country Skiingyes

Snowmobilingyes

Ice Fishingyes

AccommodationsFamily Cottages, #26

Cottages

There are 26 family cottages situated in a wooded area with several offering a view of the lake. The cottages have two bedrooms, bath with a shower, living room with a trundle bed, complete kitchen, dining area and screened porch.

Camping

This modern campground has 101 campsites of which 89 have electricity. Campground facilities include showers, flush toilets and dump station. Campers with pets may camp on designated sites.

Swimming

Sunbathers and swimmers enjoy the 2,400-foot sand beach. A concession stand is located at the beach.

Boating

Boating with unlimited horsepower is permitted on the 2,120-acre lake. A four-lane launch ramp provides access to the lake. A marina provides fuel, snack bar, and bait shop.

Picnic areas provide tables and grills in scenic locations. Two picnic shelters are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Area Attractions

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers manages a visitor center and recreational site near the dam. The center provides displays, programs and dam operation tours. Hiking, picnicking and fishing are available. Nearby Kiser Lake, John Bryan and Madison Lake offer camping and other recreational opportunities. Cedar Bog State Nature Preserve, a unique area of unusual flora and fauna, is operated by the Ohio Historical Society. Located between Urbana and Springfield, the area is open April-September for tours on Saturday and Sunday. Clark County Historical Society maintains the Crabill House on park land. Once the home of David Crabill, an early settler, the building has been totally restored. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the brick home can now be toured.

Several other state nature preserves in the area are accessible by written permit only. Contact the chief of the ODNR Division of Natural Areas and Preserves to visit Liberty Fen, Prairie Road Fen, Siegenthaler Esker or Kiser Lake Wetlands.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews

October 12Memories by DS

I came here often as a kid to stay with my family on Vacation. I have many fond memories. From eating Cake and Ice cram in the cabins, my first experience with a stall type shower. First time that I saw a stick bug or a oppossum, to just remembering walking the trails with Dad. Either way this place is great.

April 24Tick Infested

Nice park but is loaded with Ticks on the hiking trails. Prepare yourself.

June 21a great place to get away by jackie

my family and i stayed at cabin 17 . It was great. Peaceful, friendly people,beautiful surroundings and great fishing. The cottages are reasonably priced, air conditioned with comfortable beds. Just like a hotel,but better!

From Cleveland, Ohio: I-71 South to I-270 South, I-270 South to I-70 West, I-70 West to Exit #62 to Route 40 West, 3 miles to first traffic light, right on North Bird Road to Buck Creek Lane. 178 milesFrom Columbus, Ohio: I-70 West to Exit #62 to Route 40 West, 3 miles to first traffic light, right on North Bird Road to Buck Creek Lane. 48 miles.From Cincinnati, Ohio: 75 North to 675 North to I-70 East, follow to Exit #62 to Route 40 West, 3 miles to first traffic light, right on North Bird Road to Buck Creek Lane. 77 miles.From Toledo, Ohio: I-75 South to I-70 East, Exit #62, go West on Route 40, 3 miles to first traffic light, right on North Bird Road to Buck Creek Lane. 120 miles.From Springfield, Ohio: Follow Route 40 East to North Bird Road, turn North on North Bird Road to Buck Creek Lane. 5 miles from downtown Springfield.